Dionne thankful to Braves organization and its supporters

Marc Dionne’s career as a Tavistock Brave has come to an end, but the legacy he left behind will not soon be forgotten. Contributed photo

By Lee Griffi

Marc Dionne has played his last game for the Tavistock Braves.

The 21-year-old has lived much of his life Tavistock and has been a familiar face around the recreation centre for many years. The Gazette spoke with Dionne 24 hours after a heartbreaking overtime and series loss to Fergus about his incredible Junior C career.

“Being able to look back on the past five years on the Braves, each year had its own handful of accomplishments and learning curves that allowed the team and returning players to learn and grow from prior experiences,” he said.

“Being able to play for this organization for so long, being able to grow with the teammates around me and inch closer and closer to being the team we wanted to be was an experience I will never forget and can't be more thankful for. The way players from out of town took on and embraced what it meant to be a Brave and to play not only for themselves but for Tavistock is something I will always remember.” 

When asked if he could put the 2025-2026 season into words, he started with two – memorable and unforgettable.

“Even though we got to a position this year that no other Braves team has ever been, falling short in the finals is still something the whole team is trying to let go. The dedication, heart, drive, grit and perseverance from every single person in the room is what allowed us to be the successful team we were all year,” said Dionne, adding every player on this season’s team was on the same page every step of the way.

“The way we were able to overcome adversity after losing four straight and turning it around to go on an 11-game win streak to end the regular season; this team wanted to learn, cared to get better and wanted to do whatever it took to be the best team we could be. What I got to be a part of this year was something so special and something that is truly once in a lifetime. From the words of not just me but every player on this Braves team this year, it was the tightest locker room all of us have ever had.”

Dionne was thrilled to be named the team’s captain two seasons ago, something extra special for a hometown kid.

“Growing up in this community ever since I learned how to skate, all I wanted to do was to make Tavi proud and get my teammates around me to feel the same way. It was never just about hockey for me. It was about bringing the community together to make the coaches, parents and hockey supporters of this town understand that the Braves didn't play for the names on the back of their jersey but the logo on the front.”

He added what fans witnessed this year was what happens when a team doesn't only play for the success, but when it plays for the community that supports it.

Dionne spent five full seasons with the team, picking up 102 points in 213 games. An emotional general manager, Brent Lange, said those numbers don’t do justice to what the young man has meant to the organization.

“Marc is just an incredible human being. He’s a team-first guy who showed incredible leadership throughout his career. He didn’t put up a lot of points, but his voice in the room, his presence, he blocks a million shots a year and puts his body on the line game in and game out.”

He added Dionne was also very active off the ice in the community.

“A lot of kids look up to him, and he always took time to hang out with them, even after games. I can’t say enough good things about his leadership.”

Dionne isn’t ruling out a return to hockey in some form but isn’t going to make any quick decisions on what that could look like.

“I'm going to take some time to focus on my work and personal life away from hockey for the first year or two. Afterwards, I know a couple of my teammates growing up and even from the Braves these past years would love to start coaching. Looking back on the coaches that helped me be the player I am today; I want to be able to give back and do the same thing for the community.”

Dionne ended the interview by thanking everyone he was ever involved with over his five years playing junior hockey.

“I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have played and represented Tavistock throughout my entire hockey career. To all who supported, volunteered and poured their hearts out to make the Tavistock Braves as special as they are, thank you.”